Chemical and physiological quality of rice native seed in Maranhão

Abstract

This research analyzed the potential of rice native seed , with the evaluation of the chemical
quality, morphometric and of germination . Five varieties of rice native seed collected in the
municipalities of Morros and Cachoeira Grande in the State of Maranhão were evaluated. In
the chemical composition the levels of protein, lipids, mineral residues and carbohydrates were
determined. In the morphometry were measured thickness, length and width. According to the
rules of seed analysis the physiological quality of the seed was analyzed. Most rice native seed
showed higher protein levels than modern varieties. The morphometry of the seeds showed
variations that may be related to the genetic effect. For the germination, most of the native seed
showed low germination rates, which may be related to the storage form of the seeds. Thus,
the study of rice native seed made it possible to identify the potential of these seeds for their
use in family agriculture and to improve the way the seeds are stored for future use.